Longer Life for Concrete Bridges

In response to massive market demand for infrastructure repair and replacement, one group of researchers is developing innovative structures that achieve superior performance through the use of advanced composite materials and integrated fiber-optic structural sensing systems. By improving on two critical aspects of concrete bridge construction -- reinforcing materials and condition monitoring throughout the bridge's lifetime -- the technology is expected to double the service life of the concrete spans. The Taylor Bridge, just outside Winnipeg, Manitoba, is the first long span to use this new technology.
KEYWORDS: CFRP, bridge, GFRP